Light at the End of a Long Winter Tunnel

Can it get much colder or darker than this? I hope not. I was really looking forward to getting some much needed exercise on the road bike this Easter, up and down a few hills and dales in Swansea and the Gower, but the weather was so terrible that no trips out on my trusty steed were possible. Instead I had to settle for a good book and a few chocolate eggs! Not good!

Easter normally marks the start of some reasonable weather and moderate temperatures, but not this year. We had snow! I do wonder if this is a freaky one-off this year or whether this may be the sign of things to come. Maybe it's because I'm just anxious to have some decent weather - this winter has definitely been too long coupled with a fit-for-nothing summer last year has left us all yearning for even a glimmer of sunshine and just one degree over 10C.

But there is some light at the end of the tunnel. This weekend British Summer Time officially commences, providing an extra hour of light (and therefore fun!) each day and with it the chance to finally get out on the bike after work with my family. Add to that some warmer temperatures - which have to come eventually - and that's all I need to put a smile on my face. Until September, that is.

Remember to put your clocks forward on Saturday night! :)

To exercise or not to exercise - that is the question

Just as we get all this fabulously sunny weather for fun cycling, guess what - I get struck down with a cold! Typical! I must be training too hard.....or I've been mixing with the wrong people! :) I'm never quite sure what to do training-wise when I get ill - lay low and get better before I get back on the wagon or train through it and keep my fingers crossed?

The jury is definitely out on this one. I've asked lots of people and it's definitely a mixed bag of opinion. Some say it depends on how you feel - if you have a head cold, go ahead and exercise, if you have a chest cold, then rest up. Some say moderate exercise speeds recovery. I guess the key lies in the word 'moderate'. But I would hazard a common sense guess that if you are really suffering, then just don't exercise! If not, then go easy with maybe some gentle stretching whilst making sure you're well hydrated and above all get the correct nutrition.

So maybe I can make the most of this nice weather.....oh no I forgot - got to finish the DIY first!

'Quickie' Interview....Dr Alice Speaks

Kids in bed? Cuppa in hand? BBC2 on the box? Many of you will be familiar with this guest interviewee Dr Alice Roberts - creator, writer and presenter of ‘Don’t Die Young’ and co-presenter of the immensely popular ‘Coast’. Alice is a medical doctor and a specialist in anatomy. We caught up with her to discover a little of what makes her tick!

Name Alice Roberts

DOB 1973

Bike Trek Topfuel 8

When, where and why did you start cycling? I’ve cycled for as long as I can remember. I remember milestones like getting my first ‘proper’ bike – an orange bike that folded up to fit in the boot of a car… and the first wobbly ride without stabilisers. Dad used to take my little brother and I on cycle rides around country lanes at the weekend and later, when I was revising for exams, Dad and I would go for midnight bike rides to clear my head. It was just us, the foxes and hedgehogs on the road! I always had a bike at university and still cycle to work every day. It’s such a pleasant way to commute and I enjoy the thinking time and the exercise. I also like cycling off-road in the woods – and take my border terrier, Bob with me – though he often disappears to chase deer, then has to catch up. The bicycle is, of course, the steed of choice for the modern eco-warrior. I’m concerned about our effects on the environment, but also quietly optimistic that technology will provide part of the solution. The bicycle is a brilliant piece of engineering and has to be part of any plan to reduce fuel emissions. Cycling is also a fantastic way to keep fit and to enjoy the natural environment.

What are you working on now? I’m finishing my PhD, which I’ve been doing part-time alongside other research and teaching at Bristol University. Then, I’m taking a year off to film a couple of series’ and to write a book!

What do you dislike? Bigotry. Intolerance. Cruelty.

Where’s the best place you’ve ever cycled? I had a great cycling holiday around the Cornish coast with my friend, Sue. We hadn’t quite reckoned on just how hilly it would be when we set out from Plymouth, but we had ‘thighs of steel’ by the time we finished in Padstow.

What do you do to relax? Cycling, of course and walking the dog, growing vegetables, reading and painting.

What’s your favourite food? This depends a lot on my mood. But you can’t beat simply cooked vegetables straight from the garden. Delicious, waxy new potatoes with butter and tender broad beans…